Aug 08 - Wellington VR Employer Cocktail Party and Ships Company Ball

Taking a break from their training programme, the ship's company of Wellington Naval Reserve Unit, HMNZS OLPHERT took time out to say thank you to civilian employers, partners and friends at a combined employer support cocktail party and ship's company ball, held on the Main Deck of their headquarters with the Central RNZAF Jazz Band.

Welcome to HMNZS Olphert Employer Support Cocktail party and Ship's Company Ball. For those who have not meet me before, I am Roger Havell, the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Olphert, the local Naval Reserve Division here in Wellington. Tonight I would like to briefly give you a perspective on the Naval Reserves, what we do, and the benefits to you the employer of VR personnel. At last year's Cocktail party held on board HMNZS RESOLUTION, many of you had an opportunity to experience the context of where your employee as Naval Reserve Volunteer would work, exchanging in many cases a desk for service within the navy on board one of her Majesty's ships.

While much of our training is undertaken at sea and on board visiting RNZN vessels such as HMNZS TE KAHA and HMNZS RESOLUTION, much of our training is also undertaken here at HMNZS OLPHERT and at the Naval Base at Devonport in Auckland. The training provided by the Navy in establishments such as Olphert, at Devonport or at sea is critical to the development of our core Naval competencies that enable our Naval Volunteer personnel, your employee, to operate within a challenging maritime environment in a safe and professional manner. Time serving within the VR whether on a Tuesday night, over a weekend, a block period at Devonport or at sea, contributes to the Navy's crown responsibilities in a Maritime Zone the size of India.

On a personnel level, the training also provides sound personal development, individual problem solving and leadership skills that enable sailors to undertake the challenging and demanding roles they must undertake. Whether working as a junior sailor, supervising a boarding party, being part of a fire fighting team, on the bridge or in Command of the ship, at all levels the individual must work as part of a high performing team, demanding of the individual sailors

The skills and investment in our VR sailors are not just an investment in our navy, but also to the New Zealand society and to all our employers. For the majority of VR personnel, the commitment to the VR will be 20 days a year spread over weekend training and supplementing at sea or ashore at Devonport for two or three weeks at a time. For some, for example our Chaplain and PO Buridge longer periods of operational deployment overseas are also an option. As a part time sailor I appreciate that it is important to maintain a realistic balance between personal responsibilities, commitments and our civilian careers. Without the support of our families, dedication of VR personnel and partnership with you our employers, much of what we are achieving would not be possible. This partnership is not taken for granted and is highly valued. In return for allowing your staff to give up typically two or three weeks a year to the Naval Reserve Volunteer Force, I believe we give back a better employee with unique skills and experience.

Above Image: The Central Band of the RNZAF Jazz Band (NIS-08-129). Credit: Ms Carol Cudby.

So, in conclusion, thank you for the support you provide my ship's company which enables them to contribute as part of your Navy and participate in delivering the Navy's core business of maintaining the safety and security of all New Zealand and our maritime resources. I hope you all have an enjoyable evening with Olphert Ship's Company and entertainment provided through the generosity of the Royal New Zealand Air Force jazz band.